1900
Londonderry Sentinel
Some particulars may be interesting regarding the fishing at Downings this season. Our fishing began about the middle of August, butt it was well on in September before there were any heavy catches. The fleet comprises about thirty-four large boats, three of which belong to local men and three come from Cellardyke; the rest are the property of the Congested Districts Board. Before going any further I may say that it was the Cellardyke fishermen who first introduced this class of boat into this bay. Alex. Pratt and William Watson. both belonging to Cellardyke, brought their own boats to Downings, six years ago, and have fished there each year steadily since, and both have had no cause to regret coming, as they have each done well. Owing to the scarcity of herring on the Scotch coast this year prices at Downing’s have been very high. ranging from 28s to 35s per cran and on several ocassions they have gone as high as 36s. The Congested Districts Board supply boats new from the builder’s hands, anchors, ropes, and a full gear of nets to each crew (comprising six men). The Board give each man one share of the catches, and hold three shares themselves, and when the boat has cleared herself she belongs entirely to the crew, so you see at a glance this is a splendid chance for the fishermen, as they can step on board without having to pay one penny. An experienced instructor is supplied from the Board to each boat, and these men, being selected from amongst a large body of east coast of Scotland fishermen. are as fine a set of men as ever shot or hauled net or line. showing an example to the local men by their steady and cautious handling. ………………
COLLISIONS AND CONGESTION AT YARMOUTH. Partly owing to the extreme congestion of Yarmouth Harbour, consequent upon the presence of over 400 Scottish herring boats, some mishaps have occurred to a few local craft, which has kept them in the repairers’ hands during the chief part of last week. The Anstruther steam liner, Isle of May, manned by a Buckhaven crew collided with the Montrose boat Mon Ami, the latter having her gunwale smashed up and deck started. The Camellia, of Montrose, in entering the harbour collided with the North Pier, smashing her stem, and the Vesper, of Cellardyke, in dropping up the harbour came into contact with the foreign brigantine Cvon Platen, and took a good deal of damage, for which she went into dry dock. Fortunately, there has this year been no serious losses of nets, as there was last year. Considering the boats are lying four and five deep on either side of the river, and that tugs come in and takeout strings of six and seven fishing boats at a time, the wonder is that accidents are so few.
MISSIONARY LECTURE.—Miss Elder Cumming, organising secretary of the British Women’s Foreign Mission Association, gave an address in Cellardyke Church on Sunday evening on the work of the Association in India, Africa, and China. The address was eagerly listened to by a large congregation, and evidently much appreciated.
1901
THE LATE MR ALEXANDER RODGER. CELLARDYKE. Very deep regret was expressed in the community when it became known on Friday evening that Mr Alex. Rodger had succumbed to an illness, the last stages of which had only lasted for a week or two. Indeed, the news of his illness came as a shock to the greater number of his friends. A son of the late David Rodger, and nephew of the well-known Captain Rodger, he was for a great many years a most successful fisherman, but latterly was associated with his father-in-law, the late Ex-Provost Watson, in his business.
1902
Yarmouth, A good fishing was landed here last week. The weather was fine, and the boats got to sea every night. The prizes fell a few shillings owing to the content supply, and the boat’s earnings would run from £60to £120. Among the KY.’s may be mentioned, the Ina Cook, Breadwinner, Alices and Celerity. KY. 75. It was blowing hard on Thursday night, and the boats returned moderately fished, prices 18s to 19s. The quality is very good.
DISASTROUS FIFE FIRE. BIG BLAZE AT CELLARDYKE. OILSKIN FACTORY GUTTED. AN ALARMING OUTBREAK. The large and commodious oilskin premises of Messrs Martin & Co., Cellardyke, were discovered to be on fire this morning shortly after ten o’clock. On the alarm being given the local fire brigade quickly on the spot, but by this time the fire had secured a firm hold on the buildings. The fire being fanned by a high east wind, the inside furnishings being composed of varnished wood, added to the fierceness of the flames. The greatest excitement prevailed amongst the tenants of the adjoining houses, who were asked to vacate their dwellings when it was seen that the flames had ignited the framework of the windows overlooking the factory. It is surmised that the fire originated by the boiling over of the linseed oil boilers. damage is roughly estimated at from £8000 to £10,000, which is, we understand, partially insurance. The premises have only been occupied a few months, the conflagration will throw large number of employees out of work.
ST ANDREWS BRIGADE CALLED OUT. At 11.15 this forenoon a telegraph was received in St Andrews from asking the services of the St Andrews Brigade a fire which had broken out in Cellardyke. The fire bell was rung, and in a remarkably short time the members of the brigade were in attendance, and soon after the steam fire-engine was on its way to the scene of the outbreak. The brigade is in charge of Captain Watson. Bailie Murray and Councillor Linskill also accompanied the brigade.
1903
Another Appeal to Fishery Board. Kilrenny Town Council at a meeting last night, resolved to make another appeal to the Fishery Board for Scotland to give further grant with which to complete the reconstruction of Cellardyke Harbour. The Board contributed £1300, and the amount contributed was £537 8s, making total expenditure of £1837. But in order to insure and the safety of the craft, it has been resolved to add small jetty the length of the east pier. The estimated cost of this fully £300. and the Fishery Board is be asked contribute the sum. The Clerk was instructed to draw up a memorial, and ask H. Watson, banker, Anstruther, member of the Board, to support it, the view being urged that were this extension gained the harbour would greatly relieve the congestion m Anstruther Harbour during winter fishing, as many of the smaller class of boats would likely go to Cellardyke.
1904
At a special meeting of Cellardyke Town Council on Monday afternoon, plans were submitted by Bailie Williamson for a new dwelling house to be erected by him in James Street, Cellardyke. The Council, after considering, the plans passed them, Mr Williamson explaining as to certain alterations which he proposed making to his original plans.
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